'Jersey was my doctor after Somalia imprisonment'
BBCA human rights journalist from Somalia imprisoned in his country for speaking out against the government has said "Jersey was my doctor" after a respite holiday.
Abdalle Mumin was jailed in 2023 for criticising a government ban on "dissemination of extremist and terrorist ideology" and how it affected freedom of speech.
After his release, he fled to the UK, where he now lives, and continues to work as secretary general of the Somali Journalists Syndicate.
His week-long visit this month was mostly paid for by Prisoners of Conscience Jersey Holiday Fund (PoCHFJ) as part of its work to help people who have suffered human rights abuses receive some relief from their traumatic experiences.
Mr Mumin grew up in a displacement camp where brother was shot dead and his mother died during childbirth.
He said: "I decided to become a journalist to advocate for human rights, but, sadly, I was targeted", adding that he believed his treatment by the government was "unlawful and corrupt".
He added: "The cost of human rights can be bleak, but it is my passion and I hope the people of Jersey and of other civilised countries will join my cause to challenge the status quo where people's rights are violated."
BBC Jersey joined Mr Mumin as a PoCHFJ volunteer showed him around the island to meet various groups and charities as part of his visit.
Mr Mumin was shown around Blanc Pignon Dairy Farm, where manager David Leng showed him the cattle, how the site worked and let him taste some of the gelato made from its milk.
He said showing Mr Mumin around was "an honour and we're really proud to be able to do this".
He said: "It's very humbling when you hear stories like his and you realise how safe and secure we are in our world."
Mr Mumin also visited the Birdsong Garden charity, which is an open rural space where volunteers use nature, farming and gardening to support people.
Kate de la Mare-Valax, from the charity, said: "It's been delightful with his enthusiasm and interest... it's touching to see because he's been through a lot."
The PoCHFJ then took Mr Mumin to the Merton Hotel, where the charity Healing Waves uses the pool and its stationary wave machine to help other learn to swim and surf.
Mr Mumin lost his right arm when he was young and was anxious about surfing, but part-time instructors Kezia Turner and Ibby Gault reassured him before he gave the activity a go.
Ms Turner said: "You don't meet a lot of people with stories like that in Jersey... It's so important for everyone to get opportunities to enjoy surfing like this."
Ms Gault added: "He loved it and it's important for people to try new things.
"He told us in the pool to keep moving forward and don't look back."
PoCHFJ chairwoman Collette Crill said: "Without exception, each and everyone one of our guests is a privilege to meet... they are bowled over by receiving unconditional friendship."
Ms Crill added: "We have quite expensive travel, accommodation and expense costs, and we do manage, but we do need more funds and more supporters."
People are referred to the PoCHFJ for visits to Jersey by Prisoner of Conscience UK and the York University Centre of Applied Human Rights.
Mr Mumin was moved by the welcome he received during this time in Jersey.
He said: "I was so lucky to come here... this helped to remove the trauma and the amount of pressure I have been feeling.
Mr Mumin added: "This is like going to the doctor and Jersey is my doctor, and it treated me well, which has been wonderful, and I would love to be here again."
The Somalian government has been asked for a response to Mr Mumin's claims but has not replied.
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